In 2007, Iowa's preschool program cost taxpayers $15M; by 2015, it will be $70M

10:54 PM,
Feb. 17, 2014

Erin Sheets teaches a preschool class at North Bend elementary.

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The Register?s Editorial

In 2007, the Iowa Legislature established voluntary, free preschool for all 4-year-olds in the state. The cost to taxpayers was about $15 million the first year, but the expense is growing by leaps and bounds.

Gov. Terry Branstad has recommended the state spend nearly $70 million in fiscal year 2015 on preschool funding for more than 300 school districts.

Now Senate Democrats want to spend an additional $37 million over three years. Senate Study Bill 3155 authorizes an "expansion incentive" for preschool. Supporters argue that preschool is beneficial and that this additional investment ...